Kenya’s Capital Rocked by Fatal Gas Explosion and Inferno

NAIROBI, Kenya – An explosion from a truck carrying liquid petroleum gas cylinders ignited a destructive inferno in the capital city, Nairobi. Officials revealed that at least three people died, and more than 270 sustained injuries from the late-night blast. The death toll is expected to rise as authorities continue to assess the aftermath of the explosion.

The Kenya Red Cross reported that 24 individuals suffered critical injuries in the incident. The gas cylinder storage and filling site, where the truck was parked, had been denied multiple applications to operate last year due to its proximity to residential areas, according to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Residents in the area recounted hearing a suspected gas leak before the explosions and the subsequent massive fire. The flames reached homes in the Mradi area, causing significant damage to residential buildings and nearby businesses. Cell phone videos captured the terrifying sight of the fireball erupting after the explosions, with the sound of people screaming in the background.

In the aftermath of the disaster, numerous houses and businesses were reduced to ashes. Witnesses described the chaos and devastation as they attempted to flee the area. One resident, Alfred Juma, detailed his efforts to alert neighbors and rescue children as the explosions continued. Other witnesses expressed concern over the government’s failure to address previous safety concerns related to the gas storage site.

Authorities reported that three individuals lost their lives in the explosion, and emergency services transported 271 injured individuals to various hospitals across the city. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority confirmed that the gas storage site had been repeatedly rejected for operation due to failure to meet safety criteria for an LPG storage and filling plant.

Criticism has arisen regarding the continued operation of the gas storage and filling site, with allegations of inadequate enforcement of regulations by local authorities. As investigations into the tragic incident continue, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of the destructive explosion and fire.

This devastating event has prompted discussions about the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and building codes, as well as the importance of preventing hazardous facilities from operating in residential areas. The impact of the explosion on the local community highlights the importance of prioritizing public safety and ensuring rigorous oversight of potentially dangerous industrial sites.